Diamondbacks Acquire Josh Naylor from Guardians for Slade Cecconi, Draft Pick; Santana Signs $12 Million Deal

Dec 21, 2024, 11:25 PM

The Arizona Diamondbacks have officially acquired first baseman Josh Naylor from the Cleveland Guardians in a trade announced on December 21, 2024. In exchange for Naylor, the Guardians will receive right-handed pitcher Slade Cecconi and a Competitive Balance Round B draft pick. Naylor, who is projected to earn $14.2 million in arbitration for the 2025 season, fills a first base vacancy left by Christian Walker's departure. The Guardians, in a swift move to address their roster, have also agreed to a one-year, $12 million contract with veteran first baseman Carlos Santana, pending a physical. Santana returns to the Guardians for his third stint with the team, providing an immediate replacement for Naylor. The financial aspects of the trade indicate that both players are valued similarly, as Naylor's surplus trade value is estimated at $7.8 million, while Cecconi's is at $7.5 million, along with the draft pick valued at $2.1 million.